How to Wipe a Hard Drive Clean & Reinstall Windows

Wiping your hard drive prior to reinstalling Windows 7 is the preferred installation method, and ensures optimal performance. You may perform a clean installation even if you’re reinstalling an upgrade edition of Windows, but in that case you must wipe the drive during the installation process and not before. A clean installation destroys the old copy of Windows and any data on the drive, so be sure to back up anything you may need before you do it.

Select your DVD or USB flash drive from the boot list, as appropriate.

Step 4

Press “Enter.”

Step 5

Press any key when prompted.

Step 6

Select your language and preferences on the “Install Windows” page, and click “Next.”

Step 7

Accept the license terms and press “Next.”

Step 8

Choose the “Custom” installation type when prompted.

Step 9

Click “Drive Options (advanced).”

Step 10

Delete all partitions on Disk 0. When complete, you should see one entry for Disk 0, which is labeled “Unallocated Space.”

Step 11

Click on Disk 0, and click “Next.” Windows repartitions the drive, formats it, and installs a fresh copy of Windows. The process could take up to an hour to complete, after which the system automatically reboots.

Step 12

Select an account user name and computer name. The computer name, or host name, provides a means by which the system is identified on a network.

Step 13

Click “Next.”

Step 14

Choose a password and password hint for your account.

Step 15

Click “Next.”

Step 16

Enter your Windows 7 product key. You can find the key on an orange sticker in your Windows 7 DVD package if you purchased it at a store, or on an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sticker on your computer case. If you bought Windows 7 online, the key was emailed to you.

Choose your Windows Update settings. If you choose “Ask me later,” automatic updating is not enabled at this time.

Step 19

Choose your time zone from the drop-down menu, and adjust the date and time if necessary.

Step 20

Click “Next.”

Step 21

Select the appropriate network type. In most cases, you’ll want “Home network,” even if your network is at a workplace. However, if the computer is a laptop and you use other networks aside from your business's service, choose “Public network.” If you use an air card to connect to a mobile broadband carrier such as Verizon or Sprint, choose “Public network.”

Step 22

If prompted, indicate whether or not you want to set up a homegroup with other Windows 7 machines on your network. This feature allows you to share files and printers with other machines in your business, and is optional. After this, Windows will finish configuring itself and present you with your new desktop.

Things Needed

Windows 7 Installation Media

Windows 7 Product Key

Tip

Many computers ship with recovery partitions, so that you don't need to use separate Windows 7 media. When you completely wipe a hard drive clean, this recovery partition is also removed.

About the Author

A writer and proofreader since 2006, B. Steele also works as an IT Help Desk analyst, specializing in consumer and business user tech support. She earned a B.A. in English and journalism from Roger Williams University. Steele also holds certifications as a Microsoft-certified desktop support technician, Microsoft-certified IT professional, Windows 7 enterprise support technician and CompTIA A+ IT technician.

Photo Credits

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